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Al Rihani SB, Elfakhri KH, Ebrahim HY, Al-Ghraiybah NF, Alkhalifa AE, El Sayed KA, Kaddoumi A. The Usnic Acid Analogue 4-FPBUA Enhances the Blood-Brain Barrier Function and Induces Autophagy in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Models. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:3152-3167. [PMID: 39145537 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) function contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. BBB breakdown ranged from mild disruption of tight junctions (TJs) with increased BBB permeability to chronic integrity loss, affecting transport across the BBB, reducing brain perfusion, and triggering inflammatory responses. We recently developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to identify hit compounds that enhance the function of a cell-based BBB model. The HTS screen identified (S,E)-2-acetyl-6-[3-(4'-fluorobiphenyl-4-yl)acryloyl]-3,7,9-trihydroxy-8,9b-dimethyldibenzo-[b,d]furan-1(9bH)-one (4-FPBUA), a semisynthetic analogue of naturally occurring usnic acid, which protected the in vitro model against Aβ toxicity. Usnic acid is a lichen-derived secondary metabolite with a unique dibenzofuran skeleton that is commonly found in lichenized fungi of the genera Usnea. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of 4-FPBUA in vitro on the cell-based BBB model function and its in vivo ability to rectify BBB function and reduce brain Aβ in two AD mouse models, namely, 5xFAD and TgSwDI. Our findings demonstrated that 4-FPBUA enhanced cell-based BBB function, increased Aβ transport across the monolayer, and reversed BBB breakdown in vivo by enhancing autophagy as an mTOR inhibitor. Induced autophagy was associated with a significant reduction in Aβ accumulation and related pathologies and improved memory function. These results underscore the potential of 4-FPBUA as a candidate for further preclinical exploration to better understand its mechanisms of action and to optimize dosing strategies. Continued research may also elucidate additional pathways through which 4-FPBUA contributed to the amelioration of BBB dysfunction in AD. Collectively, our findings supported the development of 4-FPBUA as a therapeutic agent against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweilem B Al Rihani
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Research Building, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Khaled H Elfakhri
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana 71201, United States
| | - Hassan Y Ebrahim
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana 71201, United States
| | - Nour F Al-Ghraiybah
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Research Building, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Amer E Alkhalifa
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Research Building, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Khalid A El Sayed
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana 71201, United States
| | - Amal Kaddoumi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Research Building, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
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2
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Kofler L, Grundmann L, Gerhalter M, Prattes M, Merl-Pham J, Zisser G, Grishkovskaya I, Hodirnau VV, Vareka M, Breinbauer R, Hauck SM, Haselbach D, Bergler H. The novel ribosome biogenesis inhibitor usnic acid blocks nucleolar pre-60S maturation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7511. [PMID: 39209816 PMCID: PMC11362459 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51754-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The formation of new ribosomes is tightly coordinated with cell growth and proliferation. In eukaryotes, the correct assembly of all ribosomal proteins and RNAs follows an intricate scheme of maturation and rearrangement steps across three cellular compartments: the nucleolus, nucleoplasm, and cytoplasm. We demonstrate that usnic acid, a lichen secondary metabolite, inhibits the maturation of the large ribosomal subunit in yeast. We combine biochemical characterization of pre-ribosomal particles with a quantitative single-particle cryo-EM approach to monitor changes in nucleolar particle populations upon drug treatment. Usnic acid rapidly blocks the transition from nucleolar state B to C of Nsa1-associated pre-ribosomes, depleting key maturation factors such as Dbp10 and hindering pre-rRNA processing. This primary nucleolar block rapidly rebounds on earlier stages of the pathway which highlights the regulatory linkages between different steps. In summary, we provide an in-depth characterization of the effect of usnic acid on ribosome biogenesis, which may have implications for its reported anti-cancer activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kofler
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Lorenz Grundmann
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, 1030, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Michael Prattes
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Juliane Merl-Pham
- Core Facility Metabolomics and Proteomics (CF-MPC), Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health GmbH, D-80939, Munich, Germany
| | - Gertrude Zisser
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Irina Grishkovskaya
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, 1030, Austria
| | | | - Martin Vareka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Rolf Breinbauer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Core Facility Metabolomics and Proteomics (CF-MPC), Helmholtz Center Munich, German Center for Environmental Health GmbH, D-80939, Munich, Germany
| | - David Haselbach
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, 1030, Austria.
| | - Helmut Bergler
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, 8010, Austria.
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3
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Chen S, Ren Z, Guo L. Hepatotoxicity of usnic acid and underlying mechanisms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38904414 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2024.2366737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Since usnic acid was first isolated in 1844 as a prominent secondary lichen metabolite, it has been used for various purposes worldwide. Usnic acid has been claimed to possess numerous therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-proliferative, and antipyretic activities. Approximately two decades ago, crude extracts of usnic acid or pure usnic acid were marketed in the United States as dietary supplements for aiding in weight loss as a "fat-burner" and gained popularity in the bodybuilding community; however, hepatotoxicity was documented for some usnic acid containing products. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received numerous reports of liver toxicity associated with the use of dietary supplements containing usnic acid, leading the FDA to issue a warning letter in 2001 on a product, LipoKinetix. The FDA also sent a recommendation letter to the manufacturer of LipoKinetix, resulting in the withdrawal of LipoKinetix from the market. These events triggered investigations into the hepatotoxicity of usnic acid and its mechanisms. In 2008, we published a review article titled "Usnic Acid and Usnea Barbata Toxicity". This review is an updated version of our previous review article and incorporates additional data published since 2008. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the understanding of the liver toxicity associated with usnic acid, with a particular focus on the current understanding of the putative mechanisms of usnic acid-related hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
| | - Zhen Ren
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
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Varlı M, Bhosle SR, Kim E, Yang Y, Taş İ, Zhou R, Pulat S, Gamage CDB, Park SY, Ha HH, Kim H. Usnic Acid Targets 14-3-3 Proteins and Suppresses Cancer Progression by Blocking Substrate Interaction. JACS AU 2024; 4:1521-1537. [PMID: 38665668 PMCID: PMC11040559 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The anticancer therapeutic effects of usnic acid (UA), a lichen secondary metabolite, have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanism underlying the anticancer effect of UA remains to be clarified. In this study, the target protein of UA was identified using a UA-linker-Affi-Gel molecule, which showed that UA binds to the 14-3-3 protein. UA binds to 14-3-3, causing the degradation of proteasomal and autophagosomal proteins. The interaction of UA with 14-3-3 isoforms modulated cell invasion, cell cycle progression, aerobic glycolysis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and the Akt/mTOR, JNK, STAT3, NF-κB, and AP-1 signaling pathways in colorectal cancer. A peptide inhibitor of 14-3-3 blocked or regressed the activity of UA and inhibited its effects. The results suggest that UA binds to 14-3-3 isoforms and suppresses cancer progression by affecting 14-3-3 targets and phosphorylated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mücahit Varlı
- College
of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Sunchon, Jeonnam 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Suresh R. Bhosle
- College
of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Sunchon, Jeonnam 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunae Kim
- College
of Pharmacy, Chosun University, 146 Chosundae-gil, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi Yang
- College
of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Sunchon, Jeonnam 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - İsa Taş
- College
of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Sunchon, Jeonnam 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Rui Zhou
- College
of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Sunchon, Jeonnam 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Sultan Pulat
- College
of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Sunchon, Jeonnam 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Chathurika D. B. Gamage
- College
of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Sunchon, Jeonnam 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Yeon Park
- College
of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Sunchon, Jeonnam 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Ho Ha
- College
of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Sunchon, Jeonnam 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Hangun Kim
- College
of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, 255 Jungang-ro, Sunchon, Jeonnam 57922, Republic of Korea
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Azhamuthu T, Kathiresan S, Senkuttuvan I, Abulkalam Asath NA, Ravichandran P. Usnic acid attenuates 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA) induced oral carcinogenesis through inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell proliferation in male golden Syrian hamster model. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23553. [PMID: 37840363 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the chemopreventive efficacy of usnic acid (UA), an effective secondary metabolite component of lichens, against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the hamster model. Initially, the buccal pouch carcinogenesis was induced by administering 0.5% DMBA to the HBP (hamster buccal pouch) region about three times a week until the 10th week. Then, UA was orally treated with different concentrations (25, 50, 100 mg/kg b.wt) on alternative days of DMBA exposure, and the experimental process ended in the 16th week. After animal experimentation, we observed 100% tumor incidence with well-differentiated OSCC, dysplasia, and hyperplasia lesions in the DMBA-induced HBP region. Furthermore, the UA treatment of DMBA-induced hamster effectively inhibited tumor growth. In addition, UA upregulated antioxidant levels, interfered with the elevated lipid peroxidation by-product of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and changed the activities of the liver detoxification enzyme (Phase I and II) in DMBA-induced hamsters. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of inflammatory markers (iNOS and COX-2) and proliferative cell markers (cyclin-D1 and PCNA) were upregulated in the buccal pouch part of hamster animals induced with DMBA. Notably, the oral administration of UA significantly suppressed these markers during DMBA-induced hamsters. Collectively, our findings revealed that UA exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and apoptosis-inducing characteristics, demonstrating UA's protective properties against DMBA-induced HBP carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerthu Azhamuthu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Suresh Kathiresan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ilanchitchenni Senkuttuvan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nihal Ahamed Abulkalam Asath
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pugazhendhi Ravichandran
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India
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Gimła M, Pyrczak-Felczykowska A, Malinowska M, Hać A, Narajczyk M, Bylińska I, Reekie TA, Herman-Antosiewicz A. The pyrazole derivative of usnic acid inhibits the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:210. [PMID: 37743482 PMCID: PMC10518105 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Western societies. Its late diagnosis and resistance to chemotherapies result in a high mortality rate; thus, the development of more effective therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer is strongly warranted. Usnic acid (UA) is a secondary metabolite of lichens that shows modest antiproliferative activity toward cancer cells. Recently, we reported the synthesis of a UA pyrazole derivative, named 5, which was more active than the parent compound toward cervical cancer cells. Here, its anticancer potential has been evaluated in detail in other cancer cells, particularly pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS The impact of UA and derivative 5 on cell viability, morphology, cell cycle, and death was assessed using the MTT test, electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting, respectively. The calcium ions level was detected fluorometrically. In vivo, the anticancer activity of 5 was evaluated in a murine xenograft model. RESULTS Derivative 5 inhibited the viability of different cancer cells. Noncancerous cells were less sensitive. It induced the release of calcium ions from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and ER stress, which was manifested by cell vacuolization. It was accompanied by G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and cell death of pancreatic cancer cells. When applied to nude mice with xenografted pancreatic cancer cells, 5 inhibited tumor growth, with no signs of kidney or liver toxicity. CONCLUSIONS UA derivative 5 is superior to UA inhibiting the growth and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. ER stress exaggeration is a mechanism underlying the activity of derivative 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Gimła
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Marcelina Malinowska
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Hać
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Narajczyk
- Electron Microscopy Section, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Irena Bylińska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tristan A Reekie
- School of Science, University of New South Wales Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, 2600, Australia
| | - Anna Herman-Antosiewicz
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland.
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Poulsen-Silva E, Gordillo-Fuenzalida F, Atala C, Moreno AA, Otero MC. Bioactive Lichen Secondary Metabolites and Their Presence in Species from Chile. Metabolites 2023; 13:805. [PMID: 37512512 PMCID: PMC10383681 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of at least one fungal and one algal species. They are found in different environments around the world, even in the poles and deserts. Some species can withstand extreme abiotic conditions, including radiation and the vacuum of space. Their chemistry is mainly due to the fungal metabolism and the production of several secondary metabolites with biological activity, which have been isolated due to an increasing interest from the pharmaceutical community. However, beyond the experimental data, little is known about their mechanisms of action and the potential pharmaceutical use of these kinds of molecules, especially the ones isolated from lesser-known species and/or lesser-studied countries. The main objective of this review is to analyze the bibliographical data of the biological activity of secondary metabolites from lichens, identifying the possible mechanisms of action and lichen species from Chile. We carried out a bibliographic revision of different scientific articles in order to collect all necessary information on the biological activity of the metabolites of these lichen species. For this, validated databases were used. We found the most recent reports where in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the biological properties of these metabolites. The biological activity, namely anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, of 26 secondary metabolites are described, as well as their reported molecular mechanisms. The most notable metabolites found in this review were usnic acid, atranorin, protolichesterinic acid, and lobaric acid. Usnic acid was the most investigated metabolite, in addition to undergoing toxicological and pharmacological studies, where a hepatotoxicity effect was reported due to uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, no major studies have been made to validate the pharmacological application of these metabolites, and few advancements have been made in their artificial growth in bioreactors. Despite the described biological activities, there is little support to consider these metabolites in pharmaceutical formulations or to evaluate them in clinical trials. Nevertheless, it is important to carry out further studies regarding their possible human health effects. These lichen secondary metabolites present a promising research opportunity to find new pharmaceutical molecules due to their bioactive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Poulsen-Silva
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Felipe Gordillo-Fuenzalida
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Aplicada, Centro de Biotecnología de los Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Avda. San Miguel 3605, Talca 3466706, Chile
| | - Cristian Atala
- Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Campus Curauma, Av. Universidad 330, Curauma, Valparaíso 2373223, Chile
| | - Adrián A Moreno
- Centro de Biotecnología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - María Carolina Otero
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andrés Bello, República 252, Santiago 8320000, Chile
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Kumari M, Kamat S, Singh SK, Kumar A, Jayabaskaran C. Inhibition of Autophagy Increases Cell Death in HeLa Cells through Usnic Acid Isolated from Lichens. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:519. [PMID: 36771602 PMCID: PMC9919968 DOI: 10.3390/plants12030519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Western Ghats, India, is a hotspot for lichen diversity. However, the pharmacological importance of lichen-associated metabolites remains untapped. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of lichens of this region. For this, sixteen macrolichens were collected and identified from two locations in the Western Ghats. The acetone extract of Usnea cornuta (UC2A) showed significant cytotoxicity towards multiple human cancer cell lines. Interestingly, co-treatment with chloroquine (CQ), an autophagy inhibitor, increased the cytotoxic potential of the UC2A extract. A gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) study revealed usnic acid (UA), atraric acid and barbatic acid as the dominant cytotoxic compounds in the UC2A extract. Further, UA was purified and identified from the UC2A extract and evaluated for cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. The monodansyl cadaverine and mitotracker red double staining revealed the autophagy-inducing activities of UA, and the inhibition of autophagy was confirmed via CQ treatment. Autophagy inhibition increased the cytotoxicity of UA by 12-16% in a concentration-dependent manner. It also increased lipid peroxidation, ROS levels and mitochondrial depolarization and decreased glutathione availability. A decrease in zeta potential and a 40% increase in caspase 3/7 activity were also noted after CQ treatment of UA-treated cells. Thus, cytotoxicity of UA can be increased by inhibiting autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuree Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Siya Kamat
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Singh
- Division of Microbiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi 110012, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - C. Jayabaskaran
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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Zhong YL, Wang PQ, Hao DL, Sui F, Zhang FB, Li B. Traditional Chinese medicine for transformation of gastric precancerous lesions to gastric cancer: A critical review. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:36-54. [PMID: 36684050 PMCID: PMC9850768 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i1.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common gastrointestinal tumor. Gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) are the last pathological stage before normal gastric mucosa transforms into GC. However, preventing the transformation from GPL to GC remains a challenge. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat gastric disease for millennia. A series of TCM formulas and active compounds have shown therapeutic effects in both GC and GPL. This article reviews recent progress on the herbal drugs and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM in preventing the transformation from GPL to GC, especially focusing on anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. This review may provide a meaningful reference for the prevention of the transformation from GPL to GC using TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Peng-Qian Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Dan-Li Hao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Feng Sui
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Feng-Bin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bing Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
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10
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ROS-Induced DNA-Damage and Autophagy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Usnea barbata Oil Extract-An In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314836. [PMID: 36499160 PMCID: PMC9738295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is associated with aging, cancers, and numerous metabolic and chronic disorders, and phenolic compounds are well known for their health-promoting role due to their free-radical scavenging activity. These phytochemicals could also exhibit pro-oxidant effects. Due to its bioactive phenolic secondary metabolites, Usnea barbata (L.) Weber ex. F.H. Wigg (U. barbata) displays anticancer and antioxidant activities and has been used as a phytomedicine for thousands of years. The present work aims to analyze the properties of U. barbata extract in canola oil (UBO). The UBO cytotoxicity on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) CLS-354 cell line and blood cell cultures was explored through complex flow cytometry analyses regarding apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the enzymatic activity of caspase 3/7, cell cycle, nuclear shrinkage (NS), autophagy (A), and synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). All these studies were concomitantly performed on canola oil (CNO) to evidence the interaction of lichen metabolites with the constituents of this green solvent used for extraction. The obtained data evidenced that UBO inhibited CLS-354 oral cancer cell proliferation through ROS generation (316.67 × 104), determining higher levels of nuclear shrinkage (40.12%), cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 (92.51%; G0 is the differentiation phase, while during G1 phase occurs preparation for cell division), DNA fragmentation (2.97%), and autophagy (62.98%) than in blood cells. At a substantially higher ROS level in blood cells (5250.00 × 104), the processes that lead to cell death-NS (30.05%), cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 (86.30%), DNA fragmentation (0.72%), and autophagy (39.37%)-are considerably lower than in CLS-354 oral cancer cells. Our work reveals the ROS-mediated anticancer potential of UBO through DNA damage and autophagy. Moreover, the present study suggests that UBO pharmacological potential could result from the synergism between lichen secondary metabolites and canola oil phytoconstituents.
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11
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Wang H, Xuan M, Huang C, Wang C. Advances in Research on Bioactivity, Toxicity, Metabolism, and Pharmacokinetics of Usnic Acid In Vitro and In Vivo. Molecules 2022; 27:7469. [PMID: 36364296 PMCID: PMC9657990 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens are among the most widely distributed plants on earth and have the longest growth cycle. Usnic acid is an abundant characteristic secondary metabolite of lichens and the earliest lichen compound used commercially. It has diverse pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and photoprotective effects, and promotes wound healing. It is widely used in dietary supplements, daily chemical products (fodder, dyes, food, perfumery, and cosmetics), and medicine. However, some studies have found that usnic acid can cause allergic dermatitis and drug-induced liver injury. In this paper, the bioactivity, toxicity, in vivo and in vitro metabolism, and pharmacokinetics of usnic acid were summarized. The aims were to develop and utilize usnic acid and provide reference for its future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wang
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 230 Baoding Road, Shanghai 200082, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Min Xuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, 84 Fengshan Road, Qingdao 266121, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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Srimani S, Schmidt CX, Gómez-Serranillos MP, Oster H, Divakar PK. Modulation of Cellular Circadian Rhythms by Secondary Metabolites of Lichens. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:907308. [PMID: 35813500 PMCID: PMC9260025 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.907308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most mammalian cells harbor molecular circadian clocks that synchronize physiological functions with the 24-h day-night cycle. Disruption of circadian rhythms, through genetic or environmental changes, promotes the development of disorders like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. At the cellular level, circadian, mitotic, and redox cycles are functionally coupled. Evernic (EA) and usnic acid (UA), two lichen secondary metabolites, show various pharmacological activities including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective action. All these effects have likewise been associated with a functional circadian clock. Hypothesis/Purpose To test, if the lichen compounds EA and UA modulate circadian clock function at the cellular level. Methods We used three different cell lines and two circadian luminescence reporter systems for evaluating dose- and time-dependent effects of EA/UA treatment on cellular clock regulation at high temporal resolution. Output parameters studied were circadian luminescence rhythm period, amplitude, phase, and dampening rate. Results Both compounds had marked effects on clock rhythm amplitudes and dampening independent of cell type, with UA generally showing a higher efficiency than EA. Only in fibroblast cells, significant effects on clock period were observed for UA treated cells showing shorter and EA treated cells showing longer period lengths. Transient treatment of mouse embryonic fibroblasts at different phases had only minor clock resetting effects for both compounds. Conclusion Secondary metabolites of lichen alter cellular circadian clocks through amplitude reduction and increased rhythm dampening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumi Srimani
- Institute of Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior & Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cosima Xenia Schmidt
- Institute of Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior & Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Maria Pilar Gómez-Serranillos
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Henrik Oster
- Institute of Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior & Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Pradeep K. Divakar
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Kumari M, Kamat S, Jayabaskaran C. Usnic acid induced changes in biomolecules and their association with apoptosis in squamous carcinoma (A-431) cells: A flow cytometry, FTIR and DLS spectroscopic study. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 274:121098. [PMID: 35257985 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many natural products induce apoptotic cell death in cancer cells, though studies on their interactions with macromolecules are limited. For the first time, this study demonstrated the cytotoxic potential of usnic acid (UA) against squamous carcinoma (A-431) cells and the associated changes in cell surface proteins, lipids and DNA by attenuated total reflection- fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectroscopic studies. The IC50 for UA was 98.9 µM after treatment of A-431 cells for 48 h, while the IC50 reduced to 39.2 µM after 72 h of incubation time. UA induced oxidative stress in treated cells as confirmed by DCFHDA flow cytometry assay, depletion in reduced glutathione and increase in lipid peroxidation. The oxidative stress resulted in conformation change in amide I, amide II protein bands and DNA as observed by ATR-FTIR in UA treated A-431 cells. Shift in secondary structures of proteins from α helix to β sheets and structural changes in DNA was observed in UA treated A-431 cells. An increase in the band intensity of phospholipids, increased distribution of lipid and change in membrane potential was noted in UA treated cells, which was confirmed by externalization of phosphatidylserine to the outer membrane by annexin V-FITC/PI assay. Increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase by flow cytometry and activation of caspase-3/7 dependent proteins confirmed the UA induced apoptosis in treated A-431 cells. FTIR and DLS spectroscopy confirmed the changes in biomolecules after UA treatment, which were associated with apoptosis, as observed by flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuree Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
| | - Siya Kamat
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - C Jayabaskaran
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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Singh SK, Mukerjee A, Gupta P, Kumar Tripathi A. Evaluation of Antigenotoxic Effect of Cinnamon Oil and Usnic Acid Blended Nanoemulsion on Swiss Albino Mice. BIONANOSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-021-00902-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kello M, Kuruc T, Petrova K, Goga M, Michalova Z, Coma M, Rucova D, Mojzis J. Pro-Apoptotic Potential of Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf Extract and Isolated Physodic Acid in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Model In Vitro. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122173. [PMID: 34959454 PMCID: PMC8703293 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequently diagnosed type of leukemia among children. Although chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, it has a wide range of serious side effects, including myelo- and immunosuppression, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Combination therapies using natural substances are widely recommended to attenuate the adverse effects of chemotherapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-leukemic potential of extract from the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf (PSE) and isolated physodic acid (Phy) in an in vitro ALL model. A screening assay, flow cytometry and Western blotting were used to analyze apoptosis occurrence, oxidative stress, DNA damage and stress/survival/apoptotic pathway modulation induced by the tested substances in Jurkat cells. We demonstrate for the first time that PSE and Phy treatment-induced intrinsic caspase-dependent cell death was associated with increased oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest with the activation of cell cycle checkpoint proteins p53, p21 and p27 and stress/survival kinases p38 MAPK, JNK and PI3K/Akt. Moreover, using peripheral T lymphocytes, we confirmed that PSE and Phy treatment caused minimal cytotoxicity in normal cells, and therefore, these naturally occurring lichen secondary metabolites could be promising substances for ALL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kello
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (J.M.)
| | - Tomas Kuruc
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Klaudia Petrova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Michal Goga
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 041 67 Košice, Slovakia; (M.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Zuzana Michalova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Matus Coma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Dajana Rucova
- Department of Botany, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 041 67 Košice, Slovakia; (M.G.); (D.R.)
| | - Jan Mojzis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (T.K.); (K.P.); (Z.M.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (J.M.)
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Usnic Acid and Usnea barbata (L.) F.H. Wigg. Dry Extracts Promote Apoptosis and DNA Damage in Human Blood Cells through Enhancing ROS Levels. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081171. [PMID: 34439420 PMCID: PMC8388874 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, numerous biomedical studies performed on natural compounds and plant extracts aim to obtain highly selective pharmacological activities without unwanted toxic effects. In the big world of medicinal plants, Usnea barbata (L) F.H. Wigg (U. barbata) and usnic acid (UA) are well-known for their therapeutical properties. One of the most studied properties is their cytotoxicity on various tumor cells. This work aims to evaluate their cytotoxic potential on normal blood cells. Three dry U. barbata extracts in various solvents: ethyl acetate (UBEA), acetone (UBA), and ethanol (UBE) were prepared. From UBEA we isolated usnic acid with high purity by semipreparative chromatography. Then, UA, UBA, and UBE dissolved in 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and diluted in four concentrations were tested for their toxicity on human blood cells. The blood samples were collected from a healthy non-smoker donor; the obtained blood cell cultures were treated with the tested samples. After 24 h, the cytotoxic effect was analyzed through the mechanisms that can cause cell death: early and late apoptosis, caspase 3/7 activity, nuclear apoptosis, autophagy, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and DNA damage. Generally, the cytotoxic effect was directly proportional to the increase of concentrations, usnic acid inducing the most significant response. At high concentrations, usnic acid and U. barbata extracts induced apoptosis and DNA damage in human blood cells, increasing ROS levels. Our study reveals the importance of prior natural products toxicity evaluation on normal cells to anticipate their limits and benefits as potential anticancer drugs.
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Zhang J, Sun H, Jiang K, Song X, Wang X, Yang Y, Liu H, Ji Q, Yu X, Liu Y, Han J, Wang W. Cudraxanthone L inhibits gastric cancer by regulating the MAPK signalling and promoting FAS-mediated pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 141:111876. [PMID: 34328085 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies and has the second highest lethal rate in the world; thus, finding new medicines with high potency and low toxicity is urgent. Cudrania tricuspidata (Carr.) Bur. ex Lavallee (Moraceae) is a traditional medicinal herb that is considered to have antitumour efficacy. We extracted and isolated cudraxanthone L (CXL) from Cudrania tricuspidata and evaluated its anti-cancer efficacy. CXL treatment inhibited angiogenesis of chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and repressed the cell viability of various human cancer cells, indicating it presented the antitumour potential. Among them, CXL presented the best inhibitory effects on MGC803 cells. In addition, the invasion, migration and clonogenicity were significantly repressed, S phase of the cell cycle was arrested, and apoptosis was induced when MGC803 cells were treated with CXL. The results of RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR and western blotting verified that CXL regulated the MAPK signalling pathway and induced apoptosis by FAS-mediated pathway. The in vivo data revealed that CXL arrested tumour growth without toxic effects and upregulated the protein levels in FAS-mediated pathway in MGC803 gastric cancer-bearing mice. In summary, we demonstrate CXL presents impactful anti-GC efficacy by regulating the MAPK signalling pathway and promoting the FAS-mediated pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamei Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - KunXiu Jiang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Xingzhuo Song
- College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Xirui Wang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqian Yang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Hanying Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Qingxuan Ji
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Yonggang Liu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Han
- Institute of traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 100029, Beijing, China.
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Wu W, Gou H, Dong J, Yang X, Zhao Y, Peng H, Chen D, Geng R, Chen L, Liu J. Usnic Acid Inhibits Proliferation and Migration through ATM Mediated DNA Damage Response in RKO Colorectal Cancer Cell. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 22:1129-1138. [PMID: 33006536 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666201002155955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usnic Acid (UA), also known as lichenol, has been reported to have inhibitory effects on a variety of cancer cells, but its specific mechanism remained to be elucidated. Tumor chemotherapy drugs, especially DNA damage chemotherapeutic drugs, target Chromosomal DNA, but their spontaneous and acquired drug resistance are also an urgent problem to be solved. Therefore, drug combination research has become the focus of researchers. METHODS Here, we evaluated the tumor-suppressing molecular mechanism of UA in colorectal cancer cells RKO from the perspective of the ATM-mediated DNA damage signaling pathway through H2O2 simulating DNA damage chemotherapeutic drugs. CCK8 cell proliferation assay was used to determine the inhibition of RKO cells by hydrogen peroxide and UA alone or in combination, and wound healing assay was applied to determine the effect of the drug on cell migration. RESULTS Transfected cells with miRNA18a-5p mimics and inhibitors, MDC and DCFH-DA staining for the measurement of autophagy and ROS, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry, expressions of microRNA and mRNA were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR, and protein by Western blot. DISCUSSION We found that UA can upregulate ATM via miR-18a to activate the DNA damage signaling pathway and inhibit the proliferation and migration of RKO cells in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION At the same time, DNA damage responses, including cell cycle, autophagy, apoptosis and ROS levels, are also regulated by UA. Therefore, UA combined with DNA damage chemotherapeutic drugs may be an effective treatment for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbing Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hui Gou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jingying Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Heng Peng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ruiman Geng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lihong Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ji Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Dar TUH, Dar SA, Islam SU, Mangral ZA, Dar R, Singh BP, Verma P, Haque S. Lichens as a repository of bioactive compounds: an open window for green therapy against diverse cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 86:1120-1137. [PMID: 34052413 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Lichens, algae and fungi-based symbiotic associations, are sources of many important secondary metabolites, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and anticancer agents. Wide range of experiments based on in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that lichens are a rich treasure of anti-cancer compounds. Lichen extracts and isolated lichen compounds can interact with all biological entities currently identified to be responsible for tumor development. The critical ways to control the cancer development include induction of cell cycle arrests, blocking communication of growth factors, activation of anti-tumor immunity, inhibition of tumor-friendly inflammation, inhibition of tumor metastasis, and suppressing chromosome dysfunction. Also, lichen-based compounds induce the killing of cells by the process of apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis, that inturn positively modulates metabolic networks of cells against uncontrolled cell division. Many lichen-based compounds have proven to possess potential anti-cancer activity against a wide range of cancer cells, either alone or in conjunction with other anti-cancer compounds. This review primarily emphasizes on an updated account of the repository of secondary metabolites reported in lichens. Besides, we discuss the anti-cancer potential and possible mechanism of the most frequently reported secondary metabolites derived from lichens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ul Hassan Dar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| | - Sajad Ahmad Dar
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Ul Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Zahid Ahmed Mangral
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rubiya Dar
- Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Bhim Pratap Singh
- Department of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship & Management (NIFTEM), Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Pradeep Verma
- Bioprocess and Bioenergy Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
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Krajka-Kuźniak V, Paluszczak J, Kleszcz R, Baer-Dubowska W. (+)-Usnic acid modulates the Nrf2-ARE pathway in FaDu hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2539-2549. [PMID: 33635505 PMCID: PMC8119403 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring phytochemicals of different origin and structure, arctigenin, bergenin, usnic acid and xanthohumol, were shown to affect Nrf2 pathway in the context of various diseases, but their effect on this pathway in cancer cells was not extensively investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these compounds on Nrf2 expression and activation in hypopharyngeal FaDu squamous cell carcinoma cells. FaDu cells were treated with 2 or 10 μM arctigenin, bergenin, (+)-usnic acid or xanthohumol for 24 h. While arctigenin, bergenin, and xanthohumol did not affect either Nrf2 expression or activation, (+)-usnic acid treatment increased its transcript level and increased the nuclear/cytosol Nrf2 protein ratio—the measure of Nrf2 pathway activation. Consequently, (+)-usnic acid enhanced the transcription and translation of Nrf2 target genes: NQO1, SOD, and to a lesser extent, GSTP. The treatment of FaDu cells with (+)-usnic acid decreased both GSK-3β transcript and protein level, indicating its possible involvement in Nrf2 activation. All the tested compounds decreased Bax mRNA but did not change the level of Bax protein. (+)-Usnic acid tended to increase the percentage of early apoptotic cells and LC3 protein, autophagy marker. Significant induction of p53 also was observed after treatment with (+)-usnic acid. In summary, the results of this study indicate that low concentrations of (+)-usnic acid activate Nrf2 transcription factor, most probably as a result of ROS accumulation, but do not lead to FaDu hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Robert Kleszcz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wanda Baer-Dubowska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Lee S, Suh YJ, Yang S, Hong DG, Ishigami A, Kim H, Hur JS, Chang SC, Lee J. Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Evernic Acid in an MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2098. [PMID: 33672606 PMCID: PMC7924051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), which suggests that anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory compounds might provide an alternative treatment for PD. Here, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of evernic aid (EA), which was screened from a lichen library provided by the Korean Lichen Research Institute at Sunchon National University. EA is a secondary metabolite generated by lichens, including Ramalina, Evernia, and Hypogymnia, and several studies have described its anticancer, antifungal, and antimicrobial effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of EA have not been studied. We found that EA protected primary cultured neurons against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridium (MPP+)-induced cell death, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, and effectively reduced MPP+-induced astroglial activation by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. In vivo, EA ameliorated MPTP-induced motor dysfunction, dopaminergic neuronal loss, and neuroinflammation in the nigrostriatal pathway in C57BL/6 mice. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that EA has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in PD models and suggest that EA is a potential therapeutic candidate for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seulah Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (S.L.); (Y.J.S.); (S.Y.); (D.G.H.)
| | - Yeon Ji Suh
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (S.L.); (Y.J.S.); (S.Y.); (D.G.H.)
| | - Seonguk Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (S.L.); (Y.J.S.); (S.Y.); (D.G.H.)
| | - Dong Geun Hong
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (S.L.); (Y.J.S.); (S.Y.); (D.G.H.)
| | - Akihito Ishigami
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan;
| | - Hangun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea;
| | - Jae-Seoun Hur
- Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea;
| | - Seung-Cheol Chang
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, College of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea;
| | - Jaewon Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (S.L.); (Y.J.S.); (S.Y.); (D.G.H.)
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Ngowi EE, Afzal A, Sarfraz M, Khattak S, Zaman SU, Khan NH, Li T, Jiang QY, Zhang X, Duan SF, Ji XY, Wu DD. Role of hydrogen sulfide donors in cancer development and progression. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:73-88. [PMID: 33390834 PMCID: PMC7757040 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.47850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a vast number of potential cancer therapeutic targets have emerged. However, developing efficient and effective drugs for the targets is of major concern. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), one of the three known gasotransmitters, is involved in the regulation of various cellular activities such as autophagy, apoptosis, migration, and proliferation. Low production of H2S has been identified in numerous cancer types. Treating cancer cells with H2S donors is the common experimental technique used to improve H2S levels; however, the outcome depends on the concentration/dose, time, cell type, and sometimes the drug used. Both natural and synthesized donors are available for this purpose, although their effects vary independently ranging from strong cancer suppressors to promoters. Nonetheless, numerous signaling pathways have been reported to be altered following the treatments with H2S donors which suggest their potential in cancer treatment. This review will analyze the potential of H2S donors in cancer therapy by summarizing key cellular processes and mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezeri Erasto Ngowi
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Dar es Salaam 2329, Tanzania
- Kaifeng Municipal Key Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Henan Provincial Engineering Centre for Tumor Molecular Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Attia Afzal
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 56400, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sarfraz
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Kaifeng Municipal Key Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Henan Provincial Engineering Centre for Tumor Molecular Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 56400, Pakistan
| | - Saadullah Khattak
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Shams Uz Zaman
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Nazeer Hussain Khan
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Tao Li
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Qi-Ying Jiang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Shao-Feng Duan
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Dong-Dong Wu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
- School of Stomatology, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
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Cansaran-Duman D, Tanman Ü, Yangın S, Atakol O. The comparison of miRNAs that respond to anti-breast cancer drugs and usnic acid for the treatment of breast cancer. Cytotechnology 2020; 72:10.1007/s10616-020-00430-7. [PMID: 33128199 PMCID: PMC7695759 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-020-00430-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to compare usnic acid with anti-breast cancer drug molecules (A-BCDM) routinely used in the treatment of breast cancer. The miRNA information of 17 anti-breast cancer drug used in breast cancer treatment was obtained from the Small Molecule-miRNA Network-Based Inferance (SMIR-NBI) tool. We had been determined common and different expressed miRNAs between 17 A-BCDM & usnic acid and were classified according to the common miRNAs to reveal molecular similarity. As a result of the bioinformatic analyzes, 20 common miRNAs were determined between 17 A-BCDM and usnic acid. The common miRNAs were analyzed with bioinformatic tolls for determining pathways and targets. The most common miRNAs for 6 of 17 A-BCDM and usnic acid were determined as miR-374a-5p and miR-26a-5p. We compared the anti-proliferative effect of usnic acid and one of the 17 A-BCDM that tamoxifen on MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cell with real-time cell analysis system. The real time PCR assay was carried out with miR-26a-5p for evaluate to expression level of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell and MCF-12A non-cancerous epithelial breast cell. As a result of study, usnic acid as novel candidate drug molecule showed high similarity ratio with 5-Fluorouracil, Sulindac Sulfide, Curcumin and Cisplatin A-BCDM used in treatment of breast cancer. miR-26a-5p as common response miRNA of usnic acid and tamoxifen was showed a decreased level of expression by validated qRT-PCR assay. The obtained from study, in addition to 17 A-BCDM, usnic acid has also the potential to be used as a candidate molecule in the treatment of breast cancer. Moreover, miR-26a-5p might be used as a biomarker in the treatment of breast cancer but further analysis is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ümmügülsüm Tanman
- Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Keçiören, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sevcan Yangın
- Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Keçiören, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Orhan Atakol
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Ankara University, Tandoğan, Ankara, Turkey
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24
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Gelatin-based membrane containing usnic acid-loaded liposomes: A new treatment strategy for corneal healing. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110391. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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25
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Ingelfinger R, Henke M, Roser L, Ulshöfer T, Calchera A, Singh G, Parnham MJ, Geisslinger G, Fürst R, Schmitt I, Schiffmann S. Unraveling the Pharmacological Potential of Lichen Extracts in the Context of Cancer and Inflammation With a Broad Screening Approach. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1322. [PMID: 33013369 PMCID: PMC7509413 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichen-forming fungi are symbiotic organisms that synthesize unique natural products with potential for new drug leads. Here, we explored the pharmacological activity of six lichen extracts (Evernia prunastri, Pseudevernia furfuracea, Umbilicaria pustulata, Umbilicaria crustulosa, Flavoparmelia caperata, Platismatia glauca) in the context of cancer and inflammation using a comprehensive set of 11 functional and biochemical in vitro screening assays. We assayed intracellular Ca2+ levels and cell migration. For cancer, we measured tumor cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis, as well as the angiogenesis-associated proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs). Targeting inflammation, we assayed leukocyte adhesion onto ECs, EC adhesion molecule expression, as well as nitric oxide production and prostaglandin (PG)E2 synthesis in leukocytes. Remarkably, none of the lichen extracts showed any detrimental influence on the viability of ECs. We showed for the first time that extracts of F. caperata induce Ca2+ signaling. Furthermore, extracts from E. prunastri, P. furfuracea, F. caperata, and P. glauca reduced cell migration. Interestingly, F. caperata extracts strongly decreased tumor cell survival. The proliferation of ECs was significantly reduced by E. prunastri, P. furfuracea, and F. caperata extracts. The extracts did not inhibit the activity of inflammatory processes in ECs. However, the pro-inflammatory activation of leukocytes was inhibited by extracts from E. prunastri, P. furfuracea, F. caperata, and P. glauca. After revealing the potential biological activities of lichen extracts by an array of screening tests, a correlation analysis was performed to evaluate particular roles of abundant lichen secondary metabolites, such as atranorin, physodic acid, and protocetraric acid as well as usnic acid in various combinations. Overall, some of the lichen extracts tested in this study exhibit significant pharmacological activity in the context of inflammation and/or cancer, indicating that the group lichen-forming fungi includes promising members for further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ingelfinger
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marina Henke
- LOEWE Center Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany.,Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Luise Roser
- LOEWE Center Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany.,Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Ulshöfer
- LOEWE Center Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany.,Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anjuli Calchera
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Garima Singh
- LOEWE Center Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Michael J Parnham
- Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- LOEWE Center Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany.,Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Frankfurt, Germany.,pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Robert Fürst
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Imke Schmitt
- LOEWE Center Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany.,Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Frankfurt, Germany.,Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- LOEWE Center Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt, Germany.,Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Frankfurt, Germany
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Özben RŞ, Cansaran-Duman D. The expression profiles of apoptosis-related genes induced usnic acid in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020; 39:1497-1506. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327120930257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to determine whether usnic acid (UA) could induce the expression of apoptosis-related genes in apoptosis pathway. The current study has enabled us to better understand the target of UA in the treatment of breast cancer. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Based on the previous study and the results of this study, UA had the most antiproliferative effect on SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell line. We examined differential expression of 88 apoptosis-related genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using the apoptosis primary library panel in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell. We observed a difference in the significant differential expression of 74 apoptosis-related genes in breast cancer after SK-BR-3 cells applied to UA (7.21 µM) for 48 h. The expression level of 56 of these 74 differentiated apoptosis-related genes increased ( p < 0.05), but the expression level of the other 18 related genes decreased ( p < 0.05). In order to evaluate the mechanism of apoptosis of UA, Western blot analysis was performed with Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 antibodies. According to the Western blot analysis, we obtained similar results with gene-expression data. These results suggest that UA showed a cytotoxic effect in SK-BR-3 cells through activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The obtained results from gene expression revealed that the effect of UA on apoptosis pathway is critical for clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- RŞ Özben
- Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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27
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New complexes of usnate with lanthanides ions: La(III), Nd(III), Tb(III), Gd(III), synthesis, characterization, and investigation of cytotoxic properties in MCF-7 cells. Inorganica Chim Acta 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2020.119546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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28
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Değerli E, Torun V, Cansaran-Duman D. miR-185-5p response to usnic acid suppresses proliferation and regulating apoptosis in breast cancer cell by targeting Bcl2. Biol Res 2020; 53:19. [PMID: 32366289 PMCID: PMC7197166 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-020-00285-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer types among women. Recent researches have focused on determining the efficiency of alternative molecules and miRNAs in breast cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of usnic acid response-miR-185-5p on proliferation in the breast cancer cell and to determine its relationship with apoptosis pathway. METHODS The cell proliferation and cell apoptosis rate were significantly increased following the ectopic expression of miR-185-5p in BT-474 cells. Furthermore, the results of cell cycle assay performed by flow cytometry revealed that the transfection with miR-185-5p induced G1/S phase arrest. The apoptosis-related genes expression analysis was performed by qRT-PCR and the direct target of miR-185-5p in BT-474 cells was identified by western blot and luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS Our data showed that miR-185-5p can cause significant changes in apoptosis-related genes expression levels, suggesting that cell proliferation was suppressed by miR-185-5p via inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cells. According to western blot results, miR-185-5p lead to decrease BCL2 protein level in BT-474 cells and direct target of miR-185-5p was identified as BCL by luciferase reporter assay. CONCLUSION This study revealed that miR-185-5p may be an effective agent in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Değerli
- Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University, Keçiören, 06135, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vildan Torun
- Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University, Keçiören, 06135, Ankara, Turkey
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Samuelsen L, Hansen PE, Vang O. Derivatives of usnic acid cause cytostatic effect in Caco-2 cells. Nat Prod Res 2020; 35:4953-4959. [PMID: 32352327 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1756796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Usnic acid has anti-cancer activity, however, low solubility and toxicity limit the potential. To investigate biological activity of usnic acid derivatives, enantiopure derivatives were synthesised by reacting usnic acid with ethylenediamine, which yielded one dimer product ((+)-1), and two tetra cyclic compounds ((+)-2 and (-)-2). The products were characterised with NMR, and evaluated in vitro in human colon cancer cell line Caco-2 by cell count, phase-contrast microscopy, MTT-assay, measurement of DNA content and cell cycle distribution. All compounds tested showed cytostatic effect in Caco-2 cells, but each compound had a distinct cellular effect. Compound (+)-1 showed anti-proliferative activity by increasing the percentage of cells in S-phase with 25% compared to the control. Compounds (+)-2 and (-)-2 induced paraptosis, but only compound (+)-2 modulated cell cycle distribution by accumulating cells in G2/M-phase by 47% and reduced DNA content by 60%. All compounds express interesting cellular and potential anti-proliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Samuelsen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Poul Erik Hansen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ole Vang
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
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Lee S, Lee Y, Ha S, Chung HY, Kim H, Hur JS, Lee J. Anti-inflammatory effects of usnic acid in an MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Brain Res 2020; 1730:146642. [PMID: 31930999 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is often associated with astrocyte and microglial activations particularly in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other brain damage such as Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the modulation of glial activation offers a possible target for treating PD-associated pathologies. Here, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of usnic acid, a naturally occurring dibenzofuran derivative found in several lichen species in an acute mouse model of PD. Male mice were administered with vehicle or usnic acid (5 or 25 mg/kg) for 10 consecutive days, and then on day 11, MPTP (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered four times (with 2hrs intervals between injections) to induce PD pathologies. It was found that MPTP-induced motor dysfunction and neuronal loss were ameliorated in the usnic acid-treated mice versus vehicle-treated controls. Further study revealed that usnic acid effectively inhibited MPP+-induced glial activation in primary astrocytes by blocking NF-κB activation. Taken together, these findings suggest that usnic acid could be considered potentially useful therapeutic candidates for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seulah Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujeong Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sugyeong Ha
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Young Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hangun Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Seoun Hur
- Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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Anticancer Potential of Lichens' Secondary Metabolites. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10010087. [PMID: 31948092 PMCID: PMC7022966 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens produce different classes of phenolic compounds, including anthraquinones, xanthones, dibenzofuranes, depsides and depsidones. Many of them have revealed effective biological activities such as antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotics, antifungal, and anticancer. Although no clinical study has been conducted yet, there are number of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating anticancer effects of lichen metabolites. The main goal of our work was to review most recent published papers dealing with anticancer activities of secondary metabolites of lichens and point out to their perspective clinical use in cancer management.
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Emerging club drugs: 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB) is more toxic than its isomer 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB) in hepatocyte cellular models. Arch Toxicol 2019; 94:609-629. [PMID: 31838565 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02638-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
New phenylethylamine derivatives are among the most commonly abused new psychoactive substances. They are synthesized and marketed in lieu of classical amphetaminic stimulants, with no previous safety testing. Our study aimed to determine the in vitro hepatotoxicity of two benzofurans [6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (6-APB) and 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran (5-APB)] that have been misused as 'legal highs'. Cellular viability was assessed through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay, following 24-h drug exposure of human hepatoma HepaRG cells (EC50 2.62 mM 5-APB; 6.02 mM 6-APB), HepG2 cells (EC50 3.79 mM 5-APB; 8.18 mM 6-APB) and primary rat hepatocytes (EC50 964 μM 5-APB; 1.94 mM 6-APB). Co-incubation of primary hepatocytes, the most sensitive in vitro model, with CYP450 inhibitors revealed a role of metabolism, in particular by CYP3A4, in the toxic effects of both benzofurans. Also, 6-APB and 5-APB concentration-dependently enhanced oxidative stress (significantly increased reactive species and oxidized glutathione, and decreased reduced glutathione levels) and unsettled mitochondrial homeostasis, with disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and decline of intracellular ATP. Evaluation of cell death mechanisms showed increased caspase-8, -9, and -3 activation, and nuclear morphological changes consistent with apoptosis; at concentrations higher than 2 mM, however, necrosis prevailed. Concentration-dependent formation of acidic vesicular organelles typical of autophagy was also observed for both drugs. Overall, 5-APB displayed higher hepatotoxicity than its 6-isomer. Our findings provide new insights into the potential hepatotoxicity of these so-called 'safe drugs' and highlight the putative risks associated with their use as psychostimulants.
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Kumar K, Mishra JPN, Singh RP. Usnic acid induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells through ROS generation and DNA damage and causes up-regulation of DNA-PKcs and γ-H2A.X phosphorylation. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 315:108898. [PMID: 31715134 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Usnic acid, a dibenzofuran derivative found in many lichen species, is reported to have anticancer activity against human gastric cancer. We investigated the molecular alterations associated with anticancer effects of usnic acid against human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS and gastric carcinoma SNU-1 cells. Usnic acid (10-25 μM) treatment to these cells caused a significant increase in mitochondrial membrane depolarization and apoptotic cells. Apoptosis induction was accompanied by an increase in the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 expression and cleaved-PARP. Usnic acid increased the comet tail length and tail DNA in alkaline comet assay indicating DNA double-strand breaks which was also evidenced by an increase in γH2A.X (Ser139) phosphorylation. The expression of DNA damage response proteins including DNA-PKcs, pATM (Ser1981), Chk-2 and p53 were increased. Further, N-acetyl cysteine, a known reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, reversed the effects of usnic acid on expression of DNA damage response proteins and γH2A.X (Ser139) phosphorylation. This reversal was also observed in comet assay in a time and dose-dependent manner suggesting that usnic acid-induced DNA damage was caused by ROS. In addition, the non-toxic concentrations (1-10 μM) of usnic acid inhibited colony forming potential of AGS cells indicating its anti-proliferation activity. More importantly, the concentration of usnic acid that caused significant death in gastric cancer cells, did not show any considerable toxicity to normal human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells, human keratinocyte HaCaT cells and mouse primary gastric cells. Collectively, these results for the first time demonstrated the selective apoptotic effect of usnic acid (10-25 μM) through ROS generation and DNA damage on human gastric cancer cells accompanied with upregulation of γH2A.X (Ser139) phosphorylation, DNA-PKcs and p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Kumar
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Jai P N Mishra
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Rana P Singh
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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Mrozek S, Delamarre L, Capilla F, Al-Saati T, Fourcade O, Constantin JM, Geeraerts T. Cerebral Expression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein, Ubiquitin Carboxy-Terminal Hydrolase-L1, and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 After Traumatic Brain Injury and Secondary Brain Insults in Rats. Biomark Insights 2019; 14:1177271919851515. [PMID: 31210728 PMCID: PMC6552356 DOI: 10.1177/1177271919851515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) are potential biomarkers of traumatic brain injury (TBI) but also of secondary insults to the brain. The aim of this study was to describe the cerebral distribution of GFAP, UCH-L1, and MMP-9 in a rat model of diffuse TBI associated with standardized hypoxia-hypotension (HH). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to Sham (n = 10), TBI (n = 10), HH (n = 10), and TBI+HH (n = 10) groups. After 4 hours, brains were rapidly removed and immunostaining of GFAP, UCH-L1, and MMP-9 was performed. Areas of interest that have been described as particularly sensitive to hypoxic insults were analyzed. For GFAP, in the neocortex, immunostaining revealed a significant decrease in strong staining for HH and TBI+HH groups compared with TBI group (P < .0001). For UCH-L1, the total immunostaining (6 regions of interest) reported a significant increase in strong staining (P < .0001) and decrease in weak staining (P < .0001) for the HH and TBI+HH groups compared with the Sham and TBI groups. For MMP-9, for the HH and TBI+HH groups, a significant increase in moderate (P < .0001) and weak staining (P < .0001) and a decrease in negative staining (P < .0001) compared with the Sham and TBI groups were observed. UCH-L1 and MMP-9 immunostainings increased after HH alone or HH combined with TBI compared with TBI alone. GFAP immunostaining decreased particularly in the neocortex after HH alone or HH combined with TBI compared with TBI alone. These three biomarkers could therefore be considered as potential biomarkers of HH insults independently of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ségolène Mrozek
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Louis Delamarre
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Capilla
- Experimental Histopathology Department, INSERM US006-CREFRE, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Talal Al-Saati
- Experimental Histopathology Department, INSERM US006-CREFRE, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Fourcade
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Michel Constantin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Thomas Geeraerts
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,ToNIC (Toulouse NeuroImaging Center), University Toulouse 3-Paul Sabatier, Inserm-UPS, Toulouse, France
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Yurdacan B, Egeli U, Guney Eskiler G, Eryilmaz IE, Cecener G, Tunca B. Investigation of new treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma: a combination of sorafenib with usnic acid. J Pharm Pharmacol 2019; 71:1119-1132. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Sorafenib (SOR) is an orally administered molecular targeted agent in the systemic chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the partial response of SOR is limited due to its adverse side effect and high heterogeneity and resistant phenotype of HCC. In the current study, we investigated synergistic effects of SOR and usnic acid (UA) on HCC cell lines including HepG2 and SNU-449, and a normal cell line, HUVEC.
Methods
The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of combination therapy and SOR alone were analysed by WST-1 and Annexin V analysis, respectively. Furthermore, cell cycle, gene expression analysis of SOR-targeted kinases and acridine orange–ethidium bromide staining were also performed in combined treatments.
Key findings
Our results demonstrated that SOR and UA combination indicated a strong synergism in HCC cell lines and reduced SOR toxicity in HUVEC cells. Additionally, the combination treatment SOR and UA significantly induced much more apoptotic cell death and G0/G1 arrest through downregulation of SOR-targeted kinases.
Conclusions
Consequently, SOR and UA combination could be a new therapeutic strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beste Yurdacan
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Unal Egeli
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Isil Ezgi Eryilmaz
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gulsah Cecener
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Berrin Tunca
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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Guney Eskiler G, Eryilmaz IE, Yurdacan B, Egeli U, Cecener G, Tunca B. Synergistic effects of hormone therapy drugs and usnic acid on hormone receptor-positive breast and prostate cancer cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2019; 33:e22338. [PMID: 30980508 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of usnic acid (UA) and Tamoxifen (Tam) or Enzalutamide (Enz) on hormone receptor-positive breast and prostate cancer (BC and PC), respectively. The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of Tam or Enz alone and in combination with UA on MCF7 and LNCaP cancer cells were detected. The results of the WST-1 assay indicated that UA was a promising anticancer compound that significantly enhanced the effectiveness of hormone therapy drugs compared with each drug alone (combination index < 1). In addition, the combination of UA with Tam or Enz remarkably induced more cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis than only drug-treated cells (P < 0.01). Consequently, our findings suggest that the combination of UA with Tam or Enz may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of BC and PC and further studies are required to exploit the potential mechanisms of synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Isil Ezgi Eryilmaz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Beste Yurdacan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Unal Egeli
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gulsah Cecener
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Berrin Tunca
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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Heparin appended ADH-anionic polysaccharide nanoparticles for site-specific delivery of usnic acid. Int J Pharm 2019; 557:238-253. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Autophagy and its potent modulators from phytochemicals in cancer treatment. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2018; 83:17-26. [PMID: 30353226 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-018-3707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a ubiquitous catabolic process by which damaged or harmful intracellular components are delivered to the lysosomes for self-digestion and recycling. It is critical in cancer treatment. Therapy-induced autophagy predominantly acts as a pro-survival mechanism, but progressive autophagy can lead to non-apoptotic cell death, also known as autophagic cell death. Plants or herbs contain various natural compounds that are widely used in the treatment of many types of malignancies. Emerging evidence indicates that phytochemicals targeting the autophagic pathway are promising agents for cancer treatment. However, these compounds play different roles in autophagy. In this review, we discussed the role of autophagy in cancer development and therapy, and focussed on elucidating the anti-cancer activities of autophagic modulators, especially phytochemicals. Notably, we described a novel premise that the dynamic role of phytochemicals should be evaluated in regulation of autophagy in cancer.
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Eryilmaz IE, Guney Eskiler G, Egeli U, Yurdacan B, Cecener G, Tunca B. In vitro cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of usnic acid on hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancer cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2018; 32:e22208. [PMID: 30101414 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was first to investigate cytotoxic activity of usnic acid (UA) on hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancer, and normal cells. Cells were treated with increasing concentrations (25 to 150 µM) of UA for 48 hours and cell viability, quantitative and morphological analysis of cell death, and cell cycle analysis were performed. UA was shown to have selective cytotoxicity on hormone-dependent cancer cells with the IC50 levels of 71.4 and 77.5 µM for MCF7 and LNCaP cells, respectively. UA induced apoptotic cell death and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest without damaging normal cells. MCF7 cells were more sensitive to UA than LNCaP cells. Our results first revealed that UA is a promising candidate as an alternative agent for hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancers. However, molecular mechanism underlying the UA-mediated cell death in cancer cells should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isil Ezgi Eryilmaz
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Unal Egeli
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Beste Yurdacan
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gulsah Cecener
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Berrin Tunca
- Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
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